Thursday, November 28, 2013

CHVRCHES - The Bones Of What You Believe


Here is what I thought of CHVRCHES album, “The Bones Of What You Believe.” Remember – all scores are out of a possible 10 points.

The Mother We Share” - This song is precious. So much appeals to me musically. I am a sucker for a female singer and this singer's vocals are darling. The light synthesizer melody caught my ear as did the fun lyrics. I could totally see this song in The Breakfast Club when Claire and John Bender share scenes. Score: 9

We Sink” - Another fun track. I think this music appeals to me due to how unpretentious it comes off. Groovy rhythms, light and airy vocals and the addition of male vocals made this track interesting. Score: 8

Gun” - The lyrics are what impressed me the most on this track. Demented and dark, they contrast nicely with the bright and shiny vocals. I like a song that is not afraid to go dark and this one made me smile. Score: 10

Tether” - This song started out as a ballad then took some awesome musical turns and finished as another fun dance pop song. I like when a song can morph. The synthesizers take this track up several notches. Score: 9

Lies” - More dark lyrics mixed with upbeat rhythms. This one made me dance. I liked it, but there are better tracks on the album. Score: 8

Under The Tide” - I am starting to get the MO of this band – they layer. They start of with a simple melody and simple vocals and they add layers on top of layers as the song builds. This method appeals to my musical palate. This is also the first all male vocal track. I like when a band has more than one lead singer. Overall this track was fun, but not overly memorable. Score: 7

Recover” - Here's the deal. This song will not change the world. But it is fun to hear how the singer deliver her vocals. I mean, pop and rock music used to be about entertaining people right? This song is just fun. I love the delivery and I love the music. Score: 9

Night Sky” - The chorus on this track just rocks. It is everything I liked about 80's synth music. The main verses were OK, but a bit forgettable. I will say this – there was one part of the main verse vocals that reminded me of the computer voice in the video game, Portal when it freaks out and goes all haywire. I did like that, but the rest can go. Score: 6

Science/Visions” - The vocals and the music on this track are top notch. Great energy and dancy rhythms. The male back up vocals took away from my enjoyment. They were just not needed and distracted me from having fun. Score: 7

Lungs” - Another fun song. One critique I do have is that the majority of the songs do sound alike. I wish they would diversify more, but then again, when the songs are this fun, why mess with the formula? Score: 8

By The Throat” - I totally got lost in this track. Fantastic vocals, awesome music, and a very fun musical ride. Keep doing this – you do it well. Score: 10

You Caught The Light” - OK, this track feels like it totally belongs in ANY John Hughes' movie from the 80's. (Yes, it would have even worked in Mr. Mom!) I would have called this “Ducky's Lament.” Normally, I hate distorted vocals, but in this instance they totally slayed me. Love the music, the vocals, and the vibe.   Score: 10

Average Track Score: 8.4 Would I recommend this to my friends? Like totally! I cannot imagine how my CD collection would be complete without this gem.

Escalader,
Jim

@draglover - Follow me on Twitter!

Wednesday, November 27, 2013

Shearwater - Fellow Travelers

 


Here is what I thought of Shearwater's new album, “Fellow Travelers.” Remember – all scores are out of a possible 10 points.

I Luv The Valley OH!” - I was hooked on this song from the opening guitar riff. I am a sucker for a guitar hook of this nature as it transports me back to my youth. I like the rich vocals and the whole groovy vibe of this laid back rocker. Score: 9

Hurts Like Heaven” - On a ballad of his nature, I expect sensational, emotionally real lyrics. These lyrics missed the mark. They were lovely, but nothing that really made me feel anything. The music is beautiful and is the highlight of the song. Score: 6

Natural One” - A cover version of The Folk Implosion's hit. This is how I feel about cover songs. If you are going to do it, then give it a fresh feel – something new. This band just did the song basically as its original arrangement. There really wasn't anything new or exciting. What a letdown. But good (original) song though. Score: 5

Ambiguity” - Did they use a harp on this track? If they did – snaps for that. But that aspect is the only one I liked about this song. The lyrics seemed like an 8th grade poem, and the music was pretty dull. Next. Score: 2

Cheerleader” - This track seems to drag a bit. It felt like it needed to speed up half a beat or come up half a note – I am not sure which. Better than the last track, but still forgettable. Score: 4

Tomorrow” - A fun song with another excellent guitar riff. I guess I am a guitar groupie. The lyrics are interesting and I grooved the whole way through this track. Score: 8

A Wake For The Minotaur” - I think I am missing the big picture of this song. I just didn't get the wimpy lyrics, the subdued music, or the entire point of the track. Wake me up when the next song starts. Score: 0

Mary Is Mary” - This track is totally lost on me. I didn't care for the slow pace, the lazy vocals, or the sad music. Next. Score: 0

Fucked Up Life” - Um, no. These lyrics are kind of creeper. These are things a creeper would say to a girl to get on her good side. Is this who the target audience is? If so, I doubt tweens would be interested in this kind of music. Score: 0

Average Track Score: 3.8 Would I recommend this to my friends? Absolutely not. This album seems to go off the rails halfway through and never recovers.

Escalader,
Jim

Tuesday, November 26, 2013

NONONO - Pumpin Blood EP

 

Here is what I thought of NONONO's EP, “Pumpin Blood.” Remember – all scores are out of a possible 10 points.

Pumpin Blood” - This track is happy and peppy. I liked it. I grooved to it. The vocals are fun minus the distorted chorus at times. Nice kickoff. Score: 8

Jungle” - The vocals are what really get to me on this track. The music is interesting and fun, but those vocals totally hypnotize me. Score: 9

Fire Without A Flame” - The chorus is what got my ass shaking. I think I have figured out why I like this band's music – it is effortless. There is no pretension, no over thinking just fun music. Score: 8

Like The Wind” - This track is serving up a sexy vibe – and I like it! The bird sounding vocals started to annoying me, but then I got into the whole song and loved them. Score: 8

Pumpin Blood – Acoustic” - Normally, I don't review acoustic versions of songs that I have already reviewed, but I made an exception in this case. I enjoyed the original so much I felt compelled to hear the stripped down version. I was not disappointed. The lead singer's voice is so pure that I think I enjoyed this version better. Score: 10

Average Track Score: 8.6 Would I recommend this to my friends? Absolutely. If this is just a sampling of what this band has to offer I am titillated to hear their first full length album.

Escalader,
Jim

@draglover – Follow me on Twitter!


Sunday, November 24, 2013

Katey Sagal - Covered

 


Here is what I thought about Katey Sagal's album, “Covered.” Remember – all scores are out of a possible 10 points.

Free Fallin” - I wasn't that crazy about this song when it originally came out, but this version has made me like it a bit more. I wasn't super impressed with the main verses, but Katey's vocals on the chorus brought me to life. Score: 6

For A Dancer” - I wasn't familiar with this Jackson Browne track, but Katey sang the hell out of this one. I love the texture of her voice as well as her tone. I could listen to this voice all night. Pour me another one Ms. Sagal. Score: 9

Follow The River” - Ooh! Miss Katey is serving soulful realness! I have no idea who did this song originally, but Miss Katey is laying claim to it now. Once again, her voice gives me life. Score: 9

Goodbye” - This Steve Earle song is just a depressing, slow moving train that I wanted to get off. I can appreciate a depressing song, but even guest Jackson Browne couldn't get me out of the doldrums. Score: 2

I Love You But I Don't Know What To Say” - Yes ma'am. This song hits all the right emotional notes and got me all misty eyed. I can totally see drunk people in rural bars dancing to this song as it blares from the jukebox. Love this song and love those vocals! Score: 10

Gonna Take A Miracle” - I think I am in love. That is, with the Miss Sagal's voice. Serving up some 60's girl group, I got lost in the velvet sounds of Katey's vocals. Knowing which songs to cover on an album of this nature is crucial and this is the best one by far. Score: 10

Orphan Girl” - I am not exactly sure why, but I just didn't care for this song. Maybe it was the bluegrass vibe, maybe it was the lyrics. But I can live forever without hearing this one again. Score: 2

For Free” - I was so bored with this entire song that I can't even come up with anything snarky to say about it. Wait, yes I can – NEXT! Score: 0

Secret Heart” - What am I not getting about this song? It starts sad, wallows in sadness for most of the song, and then manages to get more sad. I was b-o-r-e-d the entire time. Next! Score: 0

Roses & Cigarettes” - At least this one didn't piss me off. Better than the last two but still majorly depressing. Why so sad Katey? Are there no happy songs you like to sing? Why not do more girl group songs. You did better doing that genre. Score: 3

Average Track Score: 5.1 Would I recommend this to my friends? I can't see that happening anytime soon. What a bummer – the album was starting to take off then nosedived at the end.

Escalader,
Jim

@draglover – Follow me on Twitter!

Saturday, November 23, 2013

Korn - The Paradigm Shift

 

Here is what I thought of Korn's new album, “The Paradigm Shift.” Remember – all scores are out of a possible 10 points.

Prey For Me” - Now this is how I like my metal. Heavy, but not too heavy. Melodic, but not too melodic. Crunchy, but just the right amount of crunch. This song got me grooving and made me commence with the head bobbing – if any song can do that it deserves high marks. Score: 9

Love & Meth” - I can only imagine how many mosh pits this searing track will produce. Typical Korn: heavy bass, wall of sound rhythms, and that signature voice. Keep doing this boys – this rocks. Score: 9

What We Do” - I loved the first third and the last third of this song, but the middle caused me to roll my eyes. I thought this was going to be my favorite song of the album, but that middle part took it out of getting top honors. So sad. Score: 6

Spike In My Veins” - This one may not be a face shredder, but it kicks some major ass. I can't explain it fully, but the music on this track sounds fresh, modern, and new metal. This could qualify as my favorite track on the album. Score: 10

Mass Hysteria” - I can't find anything to fault on this track. Great music, great vocals, and best of all – a great groove. Another top notch track. Score: 10

Paranoid And Aroused” - If I had a nickle for every day that I have been paranoid AND aroused I would have a nickle for every day of my life. Another face shredding track and I loved every moment. This is a song I got lost in and started my own one man mosh pit slamming into walls and tables. I don't advise this – it really hurts. But great song though. Score: 10

Never Never” - Don't kill me – but if Korn ever did a dance song, this would be it – but in a totally metal way. This song slowed things down a bit, but amped up the techno and took me back to my days when I would dance to industrial music at Club 1227. Score: 10

Punishment Time” - Well I guess there has to be one bad apple in every cart. This track would be that apple. I just didn't get what they were trying to achieve. A bit schizophrenic, this track is all over the place. The only place is never got to was a good one. Score: 2

Lullaby For A Sadist” - An interesting track. Well written and menacing in nature, this song serves as a type of ballad for Korn. Not my favorite track, but one that does deserve high marks. Score: 7

Victimized” - A decent enough track. More of the same with crunchy riffs, ballsy rhythms and kick ass vocals. Am I becoming desensitized to the awesomeness of Korn? I may be getting too much of a good thing. Score: 8

It's All Wrong” - A break up song from Korn? Is it possible? Well if it is, then this is the most metal break up song I have ever heard. I liked the lyrics, the music, and the energy of this track. I love when a band leaves and album the way they came in – kicking my ass. Score: 9

Average Track Score: 8.2 Would I recommend this to my friends? Hell to the yes. This is the whole reason I started this music blog – to find kick ass albums that I wouldn't normally find otherwise.

Escalader,
Jim

@draglover- Follow me on twitter!

Friday, November 22, 2013

The Suburbs - Si Sauvage

 

Here is what I thought of The Suburbs' new album, “Si Sauvage.” Remember – all scores are out of a possible 10 points.

Born Under A Bad Sign” - Wow – I did not expect to have this much fun. The music is punchy, the rhythms are groovy and the vocals are well....vampiric. I am totally obsessed with the lead singers voice. I would be his Lost Boy any day.   Score: 9

Turn The Radio On” - Another fun, pop rocking song. Now I know why I like this band so much, they are so 80's and I am a total 80's boy. The music is fun, the vocals are inviting and this song totally took me back to my youth. Score: 8

Dumb Ass Kids” - Neither the music nor the vibe were as fun as the last two songs, but the lyrics were. I didn't hate this song, but I doubt I would listen to it again. Score: 5

Where It Is!” - This one took a few too many musical twists and turns for my taste. I suppose it had to since it was lacking in the lyrics department. Another filler track. Score: 4

What's It Like Out There?” - A completely pointless song. The first ballad of the album and it is a major clunker. I have no idea what this song is about and I couldn't care less. Snooze. Score: 0

Reset The Party” - Back on track. Fun music and fun vocals make a return. The only thing I could have done without was the secondary male vocals. I just didn't get what they were trying to achieve. Score: 7

You've Got To Love Her” - Another fun song in the same vein as the last one. When the band does this type of music they succeed – in my opinion. The keyboards were a but annoying, but those vocals will win me over anytime. Score: 8

I Liked It Better When You Loved Me” - A very nice ballad. When you keep it real and serve up some actual emotion you will always impress me. The song did seem to meander a bit, but overall a very nice track. Score: 6

Si Sauvage” - A sexy song with some foreign phrases. There are some spoken parts in this song. Normally, spoken parts of songs annoy me and this is no exception. It just takes away from the song and is not needed. Still, it is an interesting song worthy of a listen. Score: 6

This Monkey” - At first I was getting annoyed by the number of times the singer was saying the phrase, “this monkey.” But then I started to get into the vibe and I rather liked this song quite a bit. It is interesting, introspective, and very well written. A nice way to end the album. Score: 8

Average Track Score: 6.1 Would I recommend this to my friends? Sure, why not. It may not be the best album I have heard but it is different and that my friends - is worth its weight in gold.

Escalader,
Jim

@draglover – Follow me on Twitter!

Thursday, November 21, 2013

Various Artists - The Hunger Games: Catching Fire



Here is what I thought of the album, “The Hunger Games: Catching Fire.” Remember, all scores are out of a possible 10 points.

Note: I am factoring how I feel these songs fit into the whole Hunger Games universe.

Atlas” - (Coldplay) – I just love Coldplay's sound. Foreboding, pensive, and deep all at the same time. I liked this song very much mainly due to the piano. Score: 9

Silhouettes” - (Of Monsters And Men) – Wow. This track really spoke to me. I love the male/female mix of vocals in this group. Another spectacular track that I can totally believe lives in the world of Hunger Games. Score: 10

Elastic Heart” - (Sia, The Weeknd, Diplo) – I liked the lyrics and the chorus of this track but the rest has to go. It kills me to say this since I adore Sia, but her vocals drove me batty. Score: 6

Lean” - (The National) – Ew – mumble singing. I am NOT a fan of The National and this song made me want to serve as Tribute so I could get away from it. Score: 0

We Remain” - (Christina Aguilera) – Being a fan of Christina, I expect excellence. What I got was mediocre vocals. Her voice seemed restrained on this track and it never really caught my attention. Score: 4

Devil May Cry” - (The Weeknd) – Yes. This track is dead on perfect for this album. Sad lyrics mixed with hard and soft melodies make this my favorite track of the album so far. Score: 10

Who We Are” - (Imagine Dragons) – This is my first introduction to the Imagine Dragons. I liked parts, but the vocals seemed a bit lazy. Overall a decent track that fits the vibe of the movie. Score: 7

Everybody Wants To Rule The World” - (Lorde) – I was all set to rip Lorde to shreds, but her zombie-like vocals worked really well on this track. The dark arrangement was really the star, turning this 80's classic into a fresh new song. Score: 8

Gale Song” - (The Lumineers) – Another track that bored me to sleep. To be totally honest, there were parts that grabbed my ear, but just not enough of them. Score: 3

Mirror” - (Ellie Goulding) – The sexy vibe of the chorus could not save this number from a low rating. Boring main verses mixed with less than stellar lyrics make this track worthy of my ire. Score: 3

Capitol Letter” - (Patti Smith) – Patti just served notice that she is still a force to be reckoned with on this track. Stellar vocals, excellent lyrics, and haunting music all combine to make a very memorable song. Score: 9

Shooting Arrows At The Sky” - (Santigold) – Ooh! The whiny vocals on this one completely turned me off. I like the subdued music, but those vocals. Ew. Score: 2

There are three bonus tracks on the album but let me tell you – they are no bonus. Boring and completely forgettable, these tracks are bonus because they know you would not pay for them.

Average Track Score: 5.9 Would I recommend this album to my friends? No. But I will tell my drag queen friends about the Lorde track.

Escalader,
Jim

@draglover – Follow me on Twitter!

Wednesday, November 20, 2013

India.Arie - SongVersation

 


Here is what I thought about India.Arie's new album, “SongVersation.” Remember – all scores are out of a possible 10 points.

Note: There are a few “musical segues” on the album. I chose not to review them since they are not actual songs.

Just Do You” - A fabulous pop song. Light and airy, well written lyrics, and a killer chorus. This song has put a smile on my face and will stay in my head all day. Score: 10

This Love” - What I love most about this track is how it builds. This song has tension that appealed to my musical palette. Plus, I just love the tone of her voice. Score: 10

Nothing That I Love More” - Not a whole lot to sink my teeth into on this track, but the lyrics are lovely and the music is pleasing. Score: 5

Flowers” - I wonder if India is meaning something else when she sings about the “flowers” that she wants to give somebody. This track is beautiful enough, but I can't see me going back to this track for a second helping. Score: 5

Cocoa Butter” - The vocals are this track are ultra-sultry. I loved the vibe of this slow jam and India's vocals are world class. Score: 10

Moved By You” - The lyrics of this song are pure poetry. I was transported to my happy place for the length of this song. I dare you to listen to this song and NOT be moved. Brilliant. Score: 10

Life I Know” - I like subdued songs, but this one is a bit too subdued. Nothing really caught my ear. Filler track. Score: 5

Break The Shell” - Female empowerment song. I like female empowerment songs. This one started off a bit forgettable, but ended making an impression on me. I think everyone could learn something from this song. Score: 8

SoulBird Rise” - This track is therapy for my soul. The lyrics and music are so delicate and India's vocals are is precious that this could be my favorite track of the album. Score: 10

Thy Will Be Done” - India's vocals plus reggae rhythms equals musical nirvana. Despite being an Atheist, these religious lyrics washed over me and made me move and groove with the infectious beats. Score: 10

Brothers' Keeper” - A song about family responsibilities – I think. Or it may have a larger meaning, I am not sure. The music is nice, but I can easily forget this one. Score: 4

One” - This song asks questions about religion, but doesn't make any judgments. I like that – the fact that India can bring up religion without being all preachy. Lovely song, but I don't think I would put this on repeat. Score: 7

I Am Light” - Ethereal – that is what this song is – ethereal. This is the kind of song I should have on my alarm clock to wake me up every morning. Other than that I don't think I would have a reason to go back to this one. Score: 6

Thank You” - A song for the veterans. As a veteran myself, I was touched by this song. I liked the vibe and the lyrics were beautiful. That said, I think I would only listen to this one on Veteran's Day. Score: 6

6th Avenue” - I love the message of this song. India lists off all the fabulous things to do in NYC, but her favorite place is in bed with the one she loves. The vocals are so delicate, so fabulous. I could listen to her sing all day. Score: 7

Strange Fruit” - I am not a fan of free form jazz. The lyrics of this song are interesting but the whole vibe of the song was lost on me. Score: 3

Average Track Score: 7.25 Would I recommend this to my friends? For sure. This album is a masterpiece of good vibes and happiness.

Escalader,
Jim

@draglover – Follow me on Twitter!

Tuesday, November 19, 2013

Tamar Braxton - Winter Loverland

 


Here is what I thought of Tamar Braxton's album, “Winter Loverland.” Remember – all scores are out of a possible 10 points.

Sleigh Ride” - A decent update to a holiday classic. I liked the drum beats, but that was about all that stood out. Tamar's vocals are nice and lovely, but not really memorable. Score: 6

Santa Baby” - This is one of my favorite Christmas songs. I like when females put some sexy vocals on the track, but Tamar's vocals are a bit too sexy. She tries to make the track her own, but all I did was get turned off. But I will give points for the vocal runs. Score: 5

Santa Claus Is Coming To Town” - Another stab at a classic and another miss – of sorts. I liked the funky vibe of this track , but then the drum beats from the first track make an appearance which made the track seem like filler. I do like the sexy vocals on this one though. What can I say? I like what I like. Score: 5

No Gift” - This is what I was waiting for – emotional realness. One of the better tracks on the album, this dreamy low key song lifted my heart and my spirits. Keep it real girl. Keep it real. Score: 9

Away In A Manger / Little Drummer Boy” - There is no denying that Tamar has a beautiful voice. Her vocals on the “Away In A Manger” part of the song slayed me. I love the tone of her voice. But the vocal stylings on the “Little Drummer Boy” part just bored me. And the last thing I want a song to do is bore me. Score: 6

Merry Christmas Darling” - This song is so sexy that I think it may be sexytime tonight for my husband. Love the vocals, love the vibe, and I love that voice!   Score: 9

The Chipmunk Song (Christmas Don't Be Late)” - I could have done without the intro speaking parts, but the duet Tamar pulls off with sister Trina is spectacular. Their voices give me life. Score: 9

She Can Have You” - Tamar keeps it real on this stellar slow jam. Girl, I feel your pain, your anguish, and your hurt. She can have him - you can do bad all by yourself. Its just the ending I didn't care for – it just kind of ends awkwardly. Score: 9

Silent Night” - Another stand out track that highlights Tamar's heavenly vocals. That said, I do feel she tried to do too much and should have not done so many vocal runs. Score: 8

Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas” - Tamar ends the album on a high note – literally. Her version of this classic is stunning. I loved every moment of this track with special emphasis on the very last note – heaven. Score: 10

Average Track Score: 7.6   Would I recommend this to my friends? Of course – with a smile on my face and love in my heart. The album may have started off rocky, but she won me over as the album progressed.

Escalader,
Jim

Friday, November 15, 2013

Kellie Pickler - The Woman I Am

 

Here is what I thought of Kellie Pickler's new album, “The Woman I Am.” Remember – all scores are out of a possible 10 points.

A Little Bit Gypsy” - There are just some songs that put me in a good mood. This is one of those songs. I liked the music and the lyrics are sharp, but the vocals are what caught my ear. Kellie's voice sounds crazy good on this track. This is sure to be a radio hit. Score: 9

Ring For Sale” - Another fantastic track. The lyrics are flawless, the guitar work is amazing, an Kellie's vocals are once again stunning. If this one does not climb the radio charts something is wrong. Score: 10

Buzzin'” - Um, no. I did not like this song – at all. The lyrics are too cutesy, the music was boring, and I thought the vocals were just OK. Next. Score: 0

The Woman I Am” - A well written ballad. Kellie serves up some emotional realness with her vocals and I am loving every moment of this track. Score: 10

Closer To Nowhere” - A dreamy, well written ballad. I got lost in the melody and loved Kellie's vocals once again. What a charming album thus far. Score: 8

Selma Drye” - A touching tribute to her grandmother – I think. I am not sure if what she is singing is the truth or not, but the vocals are just OK. A bit tinny for my personal taste. I don't think I would ever go back to this song. Score: 4

I Forgive You” - Um...wow. What a fabulous ballad. This one cut me pretty deep – actual tears were shed. There are the hardest words a person can say. Kellie punched me in the emotional gut with her flawless vocals. This is probably the best song – lyrically – I have heard in a a long, long time. Score: 10

Bonnie And Clyde” - Nothing really wrong with this song, but nothing really appealed to me musically. Filler track. She has better songs on the album. Score: 5

Where Did Your Love Go” - I did not care for the main verses of this song. The chorus is nice and lovely, but I need more than just a good chorus. Score: 5

No Cure For Crazy” - A fun, clever song. I have been waiting for Kellie to just let loose and on this track she is well, crazy good. This is sure to be a hit with the drag queens and on the radio! Score: 10

Tough All Over” - A decent ballad, but it is missing something. I just wasn't able to get into the melody or the lyrics. Score: 5

Someone Somewhere Tonight” - Now this ballad pulls on my heartstrings. Good lyrics always make me feel something. I love Kellie's deep vocals on this track. An excellent way to end the album. Score: 10

Average Track Score: 7.2 Would I recommend this to my friends? Yes – proudly. Overall, this album is pretty sensational.

Escalader,
Jim

@draglover – Follow me on Twitter!

Thursday, November 14, 2013

Lady Gaga - ARTPOP



Here is what I thought of Lady Gaga's new album, “ARTPOP.” Remember - all scores are out of a possible 10 points.

Aura” - I will freely admit how uncool I am. That said, I just did not get this track at all. The chorus was OK at times, but overall I thought this track was disjointed and frantic. Score: 2

Venus” - Another case of a disjointed track with a decent chorus. Sigh. If this is the way this album is going to go, I am going to be so disappointed. Score: 2

G.U.Y.” - Phew. Much better. This track has a fun dance melody and very clever lyrics. It got my butt shaking and my mind thinking. Score: 7

Sexxx Dreams” - I can see some drag queens performing this song on stage, but I wouldn't tip them. This song bored me. Score: 1

Jewels N' Drugs” - A decent enough track. The rap portions didn't do anything for me, but they were not annoying either – they were just a wash. Score: 6

MANiCURE” - A kick ass dance track - now we are grooving. Love the lyrics, love the vocals, and I love the fantastic vibe. Score: 9

Do What U Want” - I love when Lady Gaga goes soul with her vocals. Her voice is so textured and deep that it drives me crazy. I liked the beginning of the song because of this fact, but when R. Kelly shows up with his vocals I became bored – quickly. From that point the song spirals into mediocrity. What a shame. Score: 5

ARTPOP” - For the love of Pete. This song started off boring, kept on being boring, and ended boring. Score: 0

Swine” - Um, no. A pointless dance track with a rather annoying electronic run – not once, but twice. Score: 2

Donatella” - A song either praising or condemning Donatella Versace. I couldn’t tell which and I don't really care. I did like the beat so that is something. Score: 4

Fashion!” - One of the better tracks on this album. A decent beat and the lyrics were interesting. Score: 7

Mary Jane Holland” - I don't even know what to say about this track. At first I liked the beat and the vocal were OK, but then midway through it just gets wonky and goes off the rails. Score: 3

Dope” - This song gave me goosebumps – for real. That bluesy voice and a piano = heaven. Love everything about this song due to the fact that she is keeping it real. Score: 10

Gypsy” - Another decent track in the beginning that goes off the rails at the end. I thought this was going to be a fabulous emotional realness song, but the dance beat kicks in and the vocals go all over the place. Score: 4

Applause” - The single that got “leaked.” This song is so fabulous that I am going to call it the best track on the whole album. I could listen to this song all day. Score: 10

Average Track Score: 4.8 Would I recommend this to my friends? I just can't. It kills me to say that due to my love of Gaga, but this album is just not memorable.

Escalader,
Jim


Wednesday, November 13, 2013

Dropkick Murphys - Signed And Sealed In Blood

 

Here is what I thought of Dropkick Murphys new album, “Signed And Sealed In Blood.” Remember – all scores are out of a possible 10 points.

The Boys Are Back” - This is the first time I have ever heard this group and all I can say is “Wow!” The energy of this song is off the charts, the chorus kicked my ass, and I had fun the entire length of this song. I hope they can keep this energy up. Score: 10

Prisoner's Song” - Another great track. How do they create such a wall of sound? Aren't there only four of them? I would love to see this song live in concert. I wish I was Irish. Score: 10

Rose Tattoo” - I love the epic nature of this song. But what I love most are the lyrics – they tell a story! Have we forgotten how important story telling is? This song instantly got me singing the chorus which made me like it even more. Score: 10

Burn” - This song does burn! Just when I think they might slow things down, these boys turn up the heat. I liked so much about this track, but it does lack the emotional hook I crave. Score: 8

Jimmy Collins' Wake” - I can only hope that my wake will be this festive. Love the fun spirit of this song. These boys just sound great and make great music.    Score: 10

The Season's Upon Us” - A Christmas song from DM? I am in love with this twisted holiday track. It is so dark, so fun, so not your typical holiday cheer. But I loved every moment of it and it shall be blasted out of my car windows until Christmas is over. Score: 10

The Battle Rages On” - Another rip and burn track. Strangely enough, these types of songs from DM are not my favorites. A decent enough track, but I can get this from most bands today. Score: 7

Don't Tear Us Apart” - I have no idea what this song is about, but I like the music and I love the chorus. Score: 7

My Hero” - This is my least favorite track so far. Not saying that it is a bad song, I just couldn't get into the vibe. Score: 5

Out On The Town” - I really dig this track. The sound is different and the lyrics are engaging. I like how they toned down their sound which reminded me of Social Distortion. Score: 10

Out Of Our Heads” - Another fantastic high energy kick ass track. I don't know how they can keep this up – they must have incredible stamina. Score: 9

End Of The Night” - Lyrically, this is my favorite track on the album. Musically the same thing applies. I just really love this song from beginning to end. I am proud to say I am in love with the Dropkick Murphys. Score: 10

Average Track Score: 8.8 Would I recommend this to my friends? You be your sweet bippy I would. This album is a MUST BUY.

Escalader,
Jim